Introduction to Belgium

Experience the most interesting destinations in Belgium on this private luxury tour, which includes private cultural touring, atmospheric towns, uniquely Belgian experiences and accommodation at Belgium’s best hotels.

Begin in romantic Bruges, a fairy-tale town of canals and medieval architecture. Stroll through the atmospheric backstreets, city gates and squares of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a boat tour along the canals. See Gothic buildings, ancient monuments, and museums such as the Groeningemuseum of fine art and the Hospital Museum, which has a collection of Hans Memling paintings. Other options include climbing to the top of the Belfry for views over Bruges, visiting a lacemaking studio, touring a local brewery, sampling locally made chocolates, visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood, biking through lesser-visited neighborhoods, and seeing the historic Beguinage housing, also a UNESCO site.

Next, transfer to Brussels, stopping en route to tour Ghent, a charming university town. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the spectacular Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Also see highlights such as the beautiful waterfront quays of Graslei and Korenlei, landmark Belfry tower, imposing Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) and medieval Patershol quarter.

Continue to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. During flexible private touring, walk through the Grand-Place, the city’s iconic main square, to see the ornate facades of the Town Hall and guild houses. Explore elegant backstreets to see Art Nouveau architecture, and tour the Horta Museum, an Art Nouveau masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the renowned Manneken-Pis fountain. Visit museums such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, or browse antiques districts and open-air markets. See the European Parliament and other institutions related to the European Union. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange special interest activities around Brussels such as attending a performance at the Bozar or one of the royal theaters, a Belgian beer tasting or tour of a local brewery, touring the Belgian Center for Comic-Strip Art, visiting locations related to Tintin and his animated stories, seeing the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower, or visiting the Atomium and Mini-Europe. If desired, also browse gourmet food markets, and perhaps sample Belgian specialties such as waffles, chocolate pralines and frites with mayonnaise.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Antwerp, a lively port city famous for fashion, diamonds and Peter Paul Rubens. During flexible touring, see historical highlights such as the medieval Cathedral of Our Lady, guild houses on the Grote Markt (main square), and fin-de-siecle Centraal Train Station. Visit art museums such as the Rubens House, Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (MuHKA). Perhaps tour the Red Star Line Museum, the departure point for millions of Europeans immigrating to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Along the way, browse street markets, and sample local treats such as chocolate and baked goods. Other options in Antwerp include visiting the ModeNatie fashion district to browse high-end boutiques and see the MoMu Fashion Museum, learning about diamond processing, walking through the Jewish Quarter, seeing the striking Museum on the River, and visiting the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves an important 16th-century printing and publishing house. Also visit a traditional Belgian brewery in the nearby historic town of Mechelen.

This tour can easily be extended to include destinations in the Netherlands, Germany, France and other countries.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Arrive Brussels – Bruges

Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights

Day 2

Bruges

Full-day private walking tour, including canal cruise

Day 3

Bruges– Ghent – Brussels

Private transfer to Brussels for 3 nights, with touring of Ghent en route